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Looks like they caught Chad Knaus!

"Crew chief Chad Knaus was fined $100,000 and suspended six races Wednesday, car chief Ron Malec also was barred for six races, and Johnson was docked 25 points, sending him into this weekend's race last in the Sprint Cup Series standings.

The penalties stem from a failed inspection Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR said the No. 48 Chevrolet had illegally modified sheet metal between the roof and the side windows, an area known as the C-posts.

Hendrick has appealed!

I bet he has, and it didn't help him any either.

Not only Knaus and Johnson, but Jeff Gordon who is listed as the actual team owner - Hendrick had a really bad Speed Weeks with wrecked cars and penalties. Recall that Jeff totaled his car at the Shootout: 48 penalty brings six-race suspension for Knaus - Feb 29, 2012 - NASCAR.COM

Now, how many times can this guy get big penalties before they totally shut him out. Most other crew chiefs have had penalties, but these are biggies and 5-Time now has a big black cloud over his trophies as far as I'm concerned

If he had to pay them (Knaus) he may watch whats going on a little closer,

whats realy strange is the problem was pointed out on 2/17 they must have figured it would pass NOT

Yeah, they got caught again, this time in a pre-race inspection and they had to fix it before they raced!!! There's just no grey area left in the rule book, the Hendricks guys are going to have to find something that's legal to make them go faster, i guess!

Originally Posted by IC2

Now, how many times can this guy get big penalties before they totally shut him out. Most other crew chiefs have had penalties, but these are biggies and 5-Time now has a big black cloud over trophies as far as I'm concerned

Originally Posted by cffisher

If he had to pay them (Knaus) he may watch whats going on a little closer, whats realy strange is the problem was pointed out on 2/17 they must have figured it would pass NOT

I agree Dave, Chad (IMHO) has tarnished the name / reputation of all.

Charlie, he is paid to find ways to win, period! He is responsible for the car and it's changes. They were caught at pre-race inspection on 2-17. With all the business of speed weeks, NASCAR didn't meet to decide their fate til now. I really feel that when Chad "slipped" last year and told Johnson ( on camera! ) if they won to wreck the rear of the car! Jimmie said, "really?" Chad said "Yes!". He was already bending the rule I believe. Again, Just my opinion! I have no proof of course, but it now adds up.

And, Johnson starts at Phoenix in negative points...................big hole to dig out of.

Originally Posted by 34_40

I agree Dave, Chad (IMHO) has tarnished the name / reputation of all.

Charlie, he is paid to find ways to win, period! He is responsible for the car and it's changes. They were caught at pre-race inspection on 2-17. With all the business of speed weeks, NASCAR didn't meet to decide their fate til now. I really feel that when Chad "slipped" last year and told Johnson ( on camera! ) if they won to wreck the rear of the car! Jimmie said, "really?" Chad said "Yes!". He was already bending the rule I believe. Again, Just my opinion! I have no proof of course, but it now adds up.

Kind makes me wonder how much in the loop the drivers really are.I do see NASCAR's point that is hard to separate the driver from the team when rules are broken even if the driver doesn't know about it.Just giving Jimmie the benefit of doubt.

Hendrick is going to argue that since they didn't catch it last year, that even though the mod was caught this year, there shouldn't be a penalty, that they should be allowed to fix the problem area, maybe pay a fine, and all because it was caught before the race. Uhhhh what's wrong here. Your guy got caught - again. Hendick will also argue that the crew chief doesn't build the cars - right, but the fact that your other three teams were found clean - again - has to say to NA$CAR that he influenced the design based on his wind tunnel tests and calculations. As far as Jimmy Johnson - I don't think he has a bit of say in how the car is designed. He is paid to drive. If the car goes faster then the rest of the field and he stays out of trouble and wins, he has done his part of the team equation and reaps the benefits. I really wonder how well he would have done on a 'clean' team, run by a 'clean' crew chief and shop. BIG BLACK CLOUD over his 'achievements' IMO.

I have no problems with the 48 team getting busted because I cannot stand Hendrick because of how he got out of jail time quite a few years ago when any of us would have been thrown in jail instantly. But then that happens a lot when you have a ton of money or are well known. I'm just happy that Mark is no longer with him because I can actually cheer him on, even if he is in a Toyota.

Yepper.I agree about Jimmie Johnson.He is docked 25 points as apart of the race team.Tough call.And what do you do as a team owner??. Fire the crew chief because he is ban for 6 races and therefor cut you losses??.I would guess the sponsors are putting pressure saying they don't want to be associated with a cheater.

More interesting stuff:

"Penske switching to Ford in 2013: Penske Racing will in 2013 switch from Dodge to Ford in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition, automotive-industry sources have informed Autoweek"

Interesting!!! Another Ford team might just do some to even things up with all those chebbie teams!!!!! Heard some rumors about Penske switching brands last fall, guess it took awhile to get the deal all put together!!! Now you have to wonder who's going to jump up and grab all the Dodge money????

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Interesting!!! Another Ford team might just do some to even things up with all those chebbie teams!!!!! Heard some rumors about Penske switching brands last fall, guess it took awhile to get the deal all put together!!! Now you have to wonder who's going to jump up and grab all the Dodge money????

Dodge and Chebbie $$$ = gov't motors(me and thee, so to speak)

Now he needs a couple of good drivers. Both Keselowski and Allmendinger have flashes of brilliance, but aren't top shelf like his Indy drivers are

Originally Posted by 1gary

Kind makes me wonder how much in the loop the drivers really are.I do see NASCAR's point that is hard to separate the driver from the team when rules are broken even if the driver doesn't know about it.Just giving Jimmie the benefit of doubt.

I think it depends on the team. Hendrick drivers are probably not that deep in car development, chevy provides plenty of engineers and wind tunnel time I'm sure.

Originally Posted by IC2

Uhhhh what's wrong here. Your guy got caught - again. As far as Jimmy Johnson - I don't think he has a bit of say in how the car is designed. He is paid to drive. .

Good points Dave. I agree that they were caught and other teams have been hammered for messing with the C.o.T., NASCAR has already set the standard for trying to create a grey area. That equals big fines & penalties. All the teams are searching for an advantage, that's their job, when you get caught.. Take it like a man. In NASCAR, rubbin' is racin' and it's the great teams that runs on the ragged edge of the rules. But, holding that edge and not falling over is the trick. Looks like 42 other cars did it but not the 48!

Originally Posted by IC2

More interesting stuff:

"Penske switching to Ford in 2013: Penske Racing will in 2013 switch from Dodge to Ford in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition, automotive-industry sources have informed Autoweek"

My memory, limited as it is.. tells me that they used to run Fords before. But I may be confused! I guess the new motor Ford developed over the past few years is paying dividends when a team owner like Penske wants to jump ship!